Ahead of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s lecture series in the Capital in September, the Sangh is planning to roll out ‘
vaicharik kumbh’ (intellectual kumbh) of writers and artists in seven different cities of the country, including Varanasi, Ayodhya and Allahabad.

“Traditionally, kumbh signifies exchange of ideas and meeting of rishis. So, before the ardh kumbh starts in January, we want the country to think seriously about issues that are core to its civilisation,” said Ameer Chand, a senior pracharak who looks after Sanskar Bharati, the cultural wing of the RSS that will organise these events.

RSS general secretary Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi will preside over some of these events. He has confirmed his presence for the first kumbh to be held in Mumbai on September 5.

It will be called ‘saanskritik kumbh’ and is specifically targeted at those involved with the film industry. A ‘yuva kumbh’ will be held in Lucknow and a ‘samarastha kumbh’ in Ayodhya. The ‘samarastha kumbh’ will be held during the kumbh mela and promote the concept of Ram Rajya. According to a senior Sangh leader, the RSS will also hold a meeting of Dalit writers during the kumbh mela.

A ‘samaveshi kumbh’ to celebrate the inclusiveness of Bharat is scheduled to be held in Varanasi, after which Prayag and Allahabad will see a kumbh mela dedicated to ways to preserve the environment.

The organising committee includes, among others, artist Sonal Mansingh, writer Narendra Kohli, filmmaker Subhash Ghai and singer Anup Jalota. The event will also see an exclusive meeting of saints and spiritual gurus in which, according to RSS leaders, Jaggi Vasudev is likely to participate.

Among the topics that are likely to be discussed are nationalism, ethos of Bharat, Marxist dominance in Indian intellectual elite, importance of being tolerant, nationalism, family values, impact of globalisation on the Hindu spirituality, etc. The RSS has put together a list of writers, artists, poets, thinkers and journalists who will be called for these events.

Around December, the sangh has also planned a ‘
naari shakti kumbh’ in Vrindavan.